Cruising with Pets

• How do I make sure I get the current requirements?
  Use the contact information on www.pettravel.com and contact the country directly.
  
  
• Are all pets covered by the same regulations?
  Dogs and cats are covered by the same regulations in most countries. Special regulations are in place for importing and exporting birds. Check out the www.aphis.usda.gov site.
  
  
• What about the BVI?
  It is best to have the BVI Import Permit before your arrive. Get the Application Form from the BVI Department of Agriculture (284 495-2110/2451). Attach all the required documents to the Application Form. Fax it back. The Import Permit will ask about your Date of Arrival. If that blank is not filled out, they will not issue you a Permit. So, for cruisers who have less than precise schedules, fill out the form with your best guess at an ETA. The Vet contact number is 284-468-9108. Make contact before you leave. If possible, call again 24-48 hours from arrival. In this case, the vet will come to the boat and sign off on the permit. For more information: www.bvivacations.com/pets/html
  
  
• Our pet never gets off the boat or even out of the cockpit. Do we still have to go through the procedures that each country requires?
  This seems to vary island-to-island. Some people with cats choose not "to import" their pet officially and have not been bothered by the local officials. But they are also very careful to keep their cat from roaming outside the cockpit.
  
  
• What are the requirements for the Rabies vaccine?
  Contact. www.aphis.usda.gov to get your Form 7001 and instructions for its use. The lab at Kansas State (www.vet.kstate.edu/rabies) will process your rabies titer.

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